This is the penultimate message in our Gospel of John series — yes, I just like saying penultimate. We're in chapter 21, which, honestly, feels a little tacked on. John 20 ended so perfectly that scholars have been wrestling with chapter 21 ever since. I leave that mystery unresolved and just jump in: Jesus on the beach, the guys fishing all night, catching nothing.

And that's what makes this little scene the living illustration of John 15 — "apart from me you can do nothing." The disciples go back to their self-reliant routine, lean on their own strength and generations of fishing expertise, and the nets come up empty. Then the man on the shore says, "Throw your net on the right side," they move it four feet, and it's filled to overflowing.

I talk about what it really means to abide: Brother Lawrence washing the pots for decades and learning what he called practicing the presence of Christ. I share the C. S. Lewis line that apart from the Eucharist, the most holy thing you come in contact with throughout the week is your neighbor. And then there's Peter — putting his clothes back on before swimming to Jesus, because he recognized that breakfast on the beach with the risen Christ was a holy moment.

My challenge for you this week: tomorrow morning — when you open your laptop, make breakfast, or start your commute — take a breath and pray, "Lord, I am available to you right here." There are no ordinary moments when we practice the presence of Christ.

Scripture: John 21:1–14

In this message:

• Why John 21 feels tacked on — and why the Bible's messiness is part of the fun of taking it seriously
• The two unnamed disciples (and John's little slight)
• What "apart from me you can do nothing" looks like in a fishing boat
• Brother Lawrence, the pots, and practicing the presence of Christ
• Why Peter got dressed to go swimming
• How breakfast on the beach became holy ground

— Daniel

Listen to more messages:
Peace Presbyterian Church — https://peacepresflint.com/sermons
Acts 13 Network — https://acts13.net/messages